Dynamic tactile interface

ABSTRACT

A dynamic tactile interface including a substrate including an attachment surface, a cavity, and a fluid channel fluidly coupled to the cavity; a pedestal arranged within the cavity, pivotable within the cavity, and including a mating surface and an exterior surface; a tactile layer including a peripheral region coupled to the attachment surface, a deformable region adjacent the peripheral region and arranged over the pedestal, and a tactile surface opposite the substrate; and a displacement device displacing fluid to transition the deformable region from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the pedestal pivotable within the cavity between a first position and a second position in the retracted setting, the deformable region flush with the peripheral region in the first position and the pedestal partially elevated out of the cavity and the deformable region defining a second formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region in the expanded setting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/480,331, filed on 8 Sep. 2014, which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/874,902, filed on 6 Sep. 2013, which isincorporated in its entirety by this reference.

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/414,589,filed on 7 Mar. 2012; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/652,708, filed on 5Jan. 2010; U.S. application Ser. No. 13/481,676, filed on 25 May 2012;U.S. application Ser. No. 14/081,519, filed on 15 Nov. 2013; and U.S.application Ser. No. 13/896,098, filed on 16 May 2013, all of which areincorporated in their entireties by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of touch-sensitivedisplays and more specifically to a dynamic tactile interface for atouch-sensitive display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic representations of a dynamic tactileinterface in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of one variation of the dynamictactile interface;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of one variation of the dynamictactile interface;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of one variation of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are schematic representations of one variationof the dynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 13A-13F are schematic representations of variations of the dynamictactile interface;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C are schematic representations of variations ofthe dynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are schematic representations of variations ofthe dynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic representation of variations of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic representation of variations of thedynamic tactile interface;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a variation of the dynamictactile interface; and

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of a variation of the dynamictactile interface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

1. Dynamic Tactile Interface

A dynamic tactile interface includes: a substrate 110 including a fluidconduit 116, a shelf 118 adjacent the fluid conduit 116, and a fluidchannel 114 fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit 116; a flap 111including a distal end and a proximal end, the flap 111 extending acrossthe fluid conduit 116 and hinged to the substrate 110 at the proximalend; a tactile layer 120 including a peripheral region 124 coupled tothe substrate 110, a deformable region 122 adjacent the peripheralregion 124 and arranged over the flap 111, and a tactile surface 126opposite the substrate 110; and a displacement device displacing fluidinto the fluid channel 114 and through the fluid conduit 116 totransition the deformable region 122 from a retracted setting into anexpanded setting, the distal end of the flap 111 engaging the shelf 118in the retracted setting, and the distal end of the flap 111 lifted offof the shelf 118 and the deformable region 122 defining a formationtactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region 124 in the expandedsetting.

A variation of the dynamic tactile interface further includes a sensorcoupled to the substrate 110 and outputting a signal according to aninput on the tactile surface 126.

Another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, shown in FIGS. 16Aand 16B, includes: a substrate 110 including a fluid conduit 116, ashelf 118 adjacent the fluid conduit 116, and a fluid channel 114fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit 116; a flap 111 including a distalend and a proximal end, the flap 111 extending across the fluid conduit116 and hinged to the substrate 110 at the proximal end; a tactile layer120 including a peripheral region 124 coupled to the substrate 110, adeformable region 122 adjacent the peripheral region 124 and arrangedover the flap 111, and a tactile surface 126 opposite the substrate 110;a displacement device displacing fluid into the fluid channel 114 andthrough the fluid conduit 116 to transition the deformable region 122from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the distal end of theflap 111 engaging the shelf 118 in the flush expanded setting, and thedistal end of the flap 111 below the shelf 118 and the deformable region122 defining a formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheralregion 124 in the depressed retracted setting; and a sensor coupled tothe substrate 110 and outputting a signal according to an input on thetactile surface 126.

2. Applications

The dynamic tactile interface can define a deformable region 122, whichcan selectively expand and retract to provide intermittent tactileguidance at the tactile surface 126, such as for a user interacting witha computing device incorporating the dynamic tactile interface. Forexample, the dynamic tactile interface can be integrated into or appliedover a touchscreen of a smartphone, a tablet, a personal data assistant(PDA), a personal music (e.g., MP₃) player, a watch, a wearable device,or an other mobile computing device to selectively and intermittentlyrepresent physical hard keys (e.g., round or rectangular buttons)substantially aligned with input keys rendered on an adjacent display,such as physical hard keys aligned with alphanumeric characters of akeyboard rendered on the adjacent display. The dynamic tactile interfacecan be similarly applied over or incorporated into an automotiveconsole, a machine tool control panel, a stereo system, a thermostat,residential lighting controls, or any other control system or computerdevice to provide tactile guidance to a user supplying an input into thesystem or device. The dynamic tactile interface can additionally oralternatively function to modify a texture across a portion of thetactile surface 126 with one or more deformable regions of substantiallysmall area across the tactile surface 126.

The dynamic tactile interface can be applied over or integrated into adisplay. The dynamic tactile interface can be substantially transparent,such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/414,589, whichis herein incorporated in its entirety by this reference. In thisimplementation, the dynamic tactile interface can also set verticalpositions (e.g., heights above the peripheral region 124) of one or moredeformable regions to modify optics of the dynamic tactile interface forlight output from the display. The dynamic tactile interface can alsoset vertical positions of one or more deformable regions to providedistinct tactilely distinguishable features across the tactile surface126.

Generally, the displacement device 130 of the dynamic tactile interfacedisplaces fluid into and out of the fluid channel 114 to transition thedeformable region 122 of the dynamic tactile interface between retractedand expanded settings. In one implementation, the deformable region 122can be substantially flush with the adjacent peripheral region 124 inthe retracted setting, such that the surface geometry is substantiallycontinuous (e.g., flat, planar, smooth) across the deformable region 122and the peripheral region 124 in the retracted setting. In thisimplementation, fluid displaced into the fluid channel 114 can expandthe deformable region 122, thereby elevating the deformable region 122above the peripheral region 124 in the expanded setting. In anotherimplementation, the deformable region 122 can be substantially flushwith the adjacent peripheral region 124 in the expanded setting andoffset below the peripheral region 124 in the retracted setting.

The flap 111 can extend from the substrate 110, the flap coupled to thesubstrate by a hinge connecting a proximal end of the flap 111 to thesubstrate 110. The flap 111 can also be coupled to the deformable region122, such that the flap 111 can pivot away from the shelf 118 as thedeformable region 122 transitions between the expanded and retractedsettings. For example, fluid pressure within the fluid conduit 116 canpush the flap 111 away from the fluid conduit 116 and the shelf 118,such that a distal end of the flap 111 is raised at an angle above theshelf 118. The flap 111 supports the deformable region 122 in theexpanded setting. Thus, in the expanded setting, the tactile layer 120can stretch over the distal end of the flap 111, yielding atactilely-distinguishable “sharp” or edge across a portion of thedeformable region 122. In the retracted setting, the flap 111 can reston the shelf 118 such that the deformable region 122 can lie flush withthe peripheral region 124. The shelf 118 can support the flap 111 and,thus, the flap 111 can support the deformable region 122 in theretracted setting. Accordingly, the tactile layer 120 can appear(tactilely and optically) to a user as seamless, smooth, and continuousacross the peripheral and deformable regions in the retracted setting.The flap 111 can, therefore, function as a support surface beneath thetactile layer 120 to substantially mitigate tactilely discernibleabnormalities (e.g., an edge of the fluid conduit 116) when thedeformable region 122 is in the retracted setting and substantiallyflush with the peripheral region 124. The flap 111 can also function toalter or control a form or shape of the deformable region 122 in theexpanded setting.

The dynamic tactile interface can, therefore, enable selective andintermittent deformation of one or more deformable regions between aretracted setting and an expanded setting to provide tactile (e.g.,haptic) guidance to a user interacting with a connected computingdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet.

3. Substrate

The substrate 110 includes a fluid conduit 116, a shelf 118 adjacent thefluid conduit 116, and a fluid channel 114 fluidly coupled to the fluidconduit 116. Generally, the substrate no functions to support thetactile layer 120 and to define the fluid conduit 116 through whichfluid travels to and from the deformable region 122 of the tactile layer120 (via the fluid channel 114 and fluid conduit 116) to enableexpansion and retraction of the deformable region 122.

The substrate 110 can be substantially transparent or translucent. Forexample, in one implementation, wherein the dynamic tactile interfaceincludes or is coupled to a display, the substrate 110 can besubstantially transparent and transmit light output from an adjacentdisplay. The substrate 110 can be PMMA, acrylic, and/or of any othersuitable transparent or translucent material. Alternatively, thesubstrate 110 can be opaque or otherwise substantially non-transparentor translucent.

The substrate 110 can define (or cooperate with the tactile layer, adisplay, etc. to define) the fluid conduit 116 that communicates fluidfrom the fluid channel 114 to the deformable region 122 of the tactilelayer. The fluid conduit 116 can substantially correspond to (e.g., beadjacent) the deformable region 122 of the tactile layer. The fluidconduit 116 can be machined, molded, stamped, etched, etc. into orthrough the substrate 110 and can be fluidly coupled to the fluidchannel 114, the displacement device 130, and the deformable region 122.A bore intersecting the fluid channel 114 can define the fluid conduit116, such that fluid can be communicated from the fluid channel 114 tothe deformable layer to transition the deformable region 122 (adjacentthe fluid conduit 116) between the expanded and retracted settings. Theaxis of the fluid conduit 116 can be normal a surface of the substrate110, can be non-perpendicular with the surface of the substrate 110, ofnon-uniform cross-section, and/or of any other shape or geometry.

The substrate 110 can define a shelf 118 within the fluid conduit 116.The shelf 118 can extend from a boundary of the fluid conduit 116 intothe fluid conduit 116. The substrate 110 can define the shelf 118 thatis physically coextensive with a bore of the fluid conduit 116, whereinthe shelf 118 is offset from the bore of the fluid conduit 116 oppositethe flap 111. Alternatively, the shelf 118 can define a detent in thesubstrate 110 and the boundary of the fluid conduit 116. The shelf 118can define a square shoulder, a curvilinear shoulder, or boss of anyother form. The shelf 118 can also extend around the bore, such as inthe form of a counterbore or countersink around the center bore of thefluid conduit 116, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The fluid conduit 116can also define a cluster of bores, and the flap 111 can cover thecluster of bores, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The substrate 110 candefine the shelf 118 such that the shelf 118 can support the flap 111from below or from above. For example, the shelf 118 can support theflap 111 and the tactile layer 120 such that the deformable region 122is flush with the peripheral region 124 in the retracted setting andsubstantially prevent inward deformation of the shelf 118 and thedeformable region 122 into the fluid conduit 116.

In an variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the shelf 118 can forma support that substantially prevents the flap 111 from rotating fromthe depressed retracted setting to a position offset above theperipheral region 124. For example, in the depressed retracted setting,the flap 111 can extend into the fluid conduit 116 and below theperipheral region 124. In this example, the shelf 118 can prevent theflap 111 and the deformable region 122 from extending above flush withthe peripheral region 124 in the flush expanded setting. Thus, the shelf118 can retain the flap 111 within the fluid conduit 116.

The substrate 110 can define (or cooperate with the sensor, a display,etc. to define) the fluid channel 114 that communicates fluid through oracross the substrate 110 to the fluid conduit 116. For example, thefluid channel 114 can be machined or stamped into the back of thesubstrate 110 opposite the attachment surface 112, such as in the formof an open trench or a set of parallel open trenches. The open trenchescan then be closed with a substrate backing layer, the sensor, and/or adisplay to form the fluid channel 114. A bore intersecting the opentrench and passing through the attachment surface 112 can define thefluid conduit 116, such that fluid can be communicated from the fluidchannel 114 to the deformable layer to transition the deformable region122 (adjacent the fluid conduit 116) between the expanded and retractedsettings. The axis of the fluid conduit 116 can be normal the attachmentsurface 112, can be non-perpendicular with the attachment surface 112,of non-uniform cross-section, and/or of any other shape or geometry.Likewise, the fluid channel 114 be normal the attachment surface 112,can be non-perpendicular with the attachment surface 112, of non-uniformcross-section, and/or of any other shape or geometry. However, the fluidchannel 114 and the fluid conduit 116 can be formed in any othersuitable way and be of any other geometry.

The attachment surface 112 of the substrate 110 functions to retain(e.g., hold, bond, and/or maintain the position of) the peripheralregion 124 of the tactile layer 120. In one implementation, thesubstrate 110 is planar across the attachment surface 112, such that thesubstrate 110 retains the peripheral region 124 of the tactile layer 120in planar form, such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/652,708. However, the attachment surface 112 of the substrate 110 canbe of any other geometry and retain the tactile layer 120 in any othersuitable form.

4. Flap

The flap 111 includes a distal end and a proximal end, the flap 111extending across the fluid conduit 116 and hinged to the substrate 110at the proximal end. Generally, the flap 111 functions to support thedeformable region 122 of the tactile layer. The flap 111 can function tosupport the deformable region 122 against inward deformation (e.g., intothe fluid conduit 116) in response to a force applied to the tactilesurface 126. The flap 111 can also function to provide a substantiallyrigid support for the deformable region 122 of the tactile layer 120and, thus, in cooperation with the deformable region 122, define atactilely distinguishable feature, such as an edge, in the expandedsetting.

In one implementation, the flap 111 can be substantially transparent ortranslucent. For example, in one implementation, wherein the dynamictactile interface includes or is coupled to a display, the flap 111 canbe substantially transparent and transmit light from the display acrossthe dynamic tactile interface. The flap 111 can be PMMA, acrylic, or anyother suitable material. Alternatively, the flap 111 can be opaque orotherwise non-transparent or translucent.

The flap 111 can define a square, rectangular (shown in FIG. 11A),triangular (shown in FIG. 12A), circular (shown in FIG. 4A),semi-circular, ellipsoidal, or any other suitable perimeter geometry orform across the fluid conduit 116. The flap 111 can also define anysuitable side, edge, or corner geometry, such as filleted corners,chamfered sides, radiused sharps, etc. about the edges of the flap 111.For example, the edges of the flap 111 can be radiused to substantiallyminimize a risk of tearing the tactile layer 120 proximal an edge of theflap 111 when the adjacent deformable region 122 is expanded.

In one implementation, the flap 111 is substantially uniform inthickness. For example, the flap 111 can form a rectilinear volume withuniform thickness across the flap 111, forming a plate. The flap 111 candefine a cross-section that substantially corresponds to or conforms tothe cross-section of the fluid conduit 116. For example, the fluidconduit 116 can define a bore with a circular cross-section of a firstdiameter; and the flap 111 can define a circular cross-section of thefirst diameter. Alternatively, the flap 111 can define a circularcross-section of a diameter slightly less than the first diameter (i.e.,undersized), such that the flap 111 fits within the bore of the fluidconduit 116. The flap 111 can also define the circular cross-section ofa diameter slightly larger than the first diameter (i.e., oversized),such that flap 111 fits snuggly within the fluid conduit 116 whenpressed into the fluid conduit 116, such as by a user.

The flap 111 can also be of a non-uniform thickness. The flap 111 cansubstantially conform to the shape of the fluid conduit 116. Forexample, the fluid conduit 116 can form a hemicircular or hemisphericalnegative recess in the substrate 110. The flap 111 can define ahemicircular or hemispherical positive body that engages (e.g., fitswithin) the fluid conduit 116 and defines an exterior surface acrosswhich the deformable region is connected. The flap 111 can also form asubstantially rectilinear volume that tapers along the length of theflap 111. For example, the flap 111 and the substrate 110 can cooperateto define a living hinge along a proximal end of the flap 111, theproximal end of the flap 111 of a thickness less than a thickness of thedistal end of the flap 111.

In one implementation, the flap 111 and the substrate 110 can bephysically coextensive. Generally, in this implementation, the flap 111and substrate 110 can define a continuous structure, the flap 111extending continuously from the substrate 110. The flap 111 can becoupled to the substrate 110 through a living hinge (i.e., a flexiblehinge defined by a continuous piece of material). The living hinge candefine a rotational degree of freedom for the flap 111 such that theflap 111 can rotate about an axis corresponding to the living hinge. Forexample, the flap 111 can be of a uniform cross-section along the lengthof the flap 111 from the distal end of the flap (i.e., the end of theflap distal the substrate) to the proximal end of the flap (i.e., theend of the flap proximal the connection to the substrate) A junctionbetween the proximal end of the flap 111 and the substrate 110 can be ofa cross-sectional area less than that of (a main section of) the flap111 to define a living hinge, as shown in FIG. 2A. In this example,features of the living hinge of the flap 111 can be substantially smalland/or fluid indexed-matched to materials of the flap 111 and/or thesubstrate 110 such that the flap 111 remains substantially opticallyimperceptible to a user. Flexure of the flap 111 can occur about theliving hinge, yielding arcuate deflection of the flap 111 about thehinge as the deformable region 122 above transitions between theretracted and expanded settings, as shown in FIG. 2B.

The flap 111 and the substrate 110 can also cooperate to define aflexible member across the proximal end of the flap 111. Generally, theflap 111 and the substrate 110 can cooperate to define the flap 111,such that the flap 111 can deflect or deform from an initial positionthrough local deformation of the flap 111 and global deformation andstrain of the flap 111 is minimized. Thus, the flap 111 can flex ordeform about the proximal end of the flap from a substantially planarconfiguration to a bent configuration through local deformation.Alternatively, the cross-section of the flap 111 can be uniform alongthe length of the flap 111 (shown in FIG. 11B), tapered (shown in FIG.12C) or of any other suitable shape, geometry, or cross-section, such asshown in FIGS. 13A-13E.

Furthermore, the hinge can be of a transparent elastomeric material orany other suitable material different from the substrate 110 material.In another example, the flap 111 and the substrate 110 can cooperate todefine the living hinge along the proximal end of the flap 111, theproximal end of the flap 111 of a thickness less than a thickness of thedistal end of the flap 111. Thus, the proximal end of the flap 111 can,in cooperation with the substrate 110, define the living hinge.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, in the retracted setting, the flap 111 canextend across and cover the fluid conduit 116 with the distal end of theflap 111 supported by the shelf 118 defined by the substrate 110, suchthat the deformable region 122 is mechanically supported against inwarddeformation passed a plane of the peripheral region 124. In particular,the flap 111 can extend across the fluid conduit 116 to cover tactilely(and optically) discernible abnormalities over/across the substrate 110when the deformable region 122 is in the retracted setting, and the flap111 can alter or control a form of the deformable region 122 in theexpanded setting.

In one example, the flap 111 can engage a shelf 118 defined by thesubstrate 110, the shelf 118 defining a first chamfered support edgeadjacent the tactile layer. The distal end of the flap 111 defines asecond chamfered edge that mirrors the first chamfered edge, such thatthe first chamfered edge and the second edge contact and the outersurface of the flap 111 lies flush with the attachment surface 112 inthe retracted setting. The second chamfered edge can lift off the firstchamfered edge as the deformable region 122 transitions into theexpanded setting. The chamfered edge can thus form a sharp cornertactilely distinguishable along the deformable region 122 once thedeformable region 122 and the flap 111 transition into the expandedsetting. Alternatively, the flap 111 can engage the shelf 118 in theretracted setting, the shelf 118 forming a square shoulder, acurvilinear shoulder, or a boss or shoulder of any other form.

In another example, the flap 111 can engage a shelf 118 that isphysically coextensive with a bore of the fluid conduit 116, wherein theshelf 118 is offset from the bore of the fluid conduit 116 opposite thehinge of the flap 111, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively, theshelf 118 can extend around the bore, such as in the form of acounterbore or countersink around the bore of the fluid conduit 116, asshown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Yet alternatively, the fluid conduit 116 candefine a cluster of bores, and the flap 111 can cover the cluster ofbores, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

The flap 111 and the shelf 118 can cooperate to form a seal to seal thedeformable region 122 from fluid when in the retracted setting.Alternatively, a portion of a side of the flap 111 can be offset fromthe shelf 118 or edge of the bore of the fluid conduit 116 to enablecommunication of fluid between the fluid conduit 116 and the deformableregion 122 of the tactile layer. For example, fluid communicated fromthe fluid conduit 116, past the flap 111, and into the deformable region122 of the tactile layer 120 in order to expand the deformable region122. Likewise, fluid communicated from the deformable region 122, pastthe flap 111, and into the fluid conduit 116 to retract the deformableregion 122. Alternatively, the flap 111 can include one or more ports tocommunicate fluid between the fluid conduit 116 and the deformableregion 122. In this implementation, the displacement device 130 candisplace fluid into the fluid channel 114, such that fluid moveslaterally through the fluid channel 114, then vertically upward towardthe deformable region 122 via the fluid conduit 116, then into thedeformable region 122 through one or more ports in the flap 111.

In the foregoing implementation in which the flap 111 and the substrate110 are continuous, the flap 111 can be defined by cutting the perimeterof the flap 111 into the substrate 110. For example, a five-axis and/orarticulating laser head can cut the substrate 110 to free the distal endof the flap 111 from the substrate 110 proximal the fluid conduit 116.Alternatively, the fluid channel 114, fluid conduit 116, and flap 111can be micromachined into the substrate 110 through bulk micromachiningtechniques. The substrate 110 and foregoing features can be moldedthrough fused deposition modeling techniques. However, the substrate110, fluid channel 114(s), fluid conduit 116, flap 111, etc. can bemanufactured in any other suitable way.

The flap 111 can alternatively define a discrete component coupled tothe substrate 110 over the fluid channel 114. The flap 111 can bemechanically retained by a (transparent) fastener or mechanical featureon the substrate 110. For example, the substrate 110 can define a malecomponent of a hinge and the flap 111 can define a female component of ahinge. The substrate 110 and the flap 111 can be mated to complete thehinge with the flap 111 pivotable about an axis of the hinge.Alternatively, the flap 111 can be bonded to the substrate 110, such aswith an adhesive or through diffusion bonding.

In another implementation, the flap 111 can include a pedestal 113extending into the fluid conduit 116 and engaging the shelf 118 in theretracted setting. For example, the flap 111 can include a pedestal 113or piston that extends from the flap 111 and passes into the fluidconduit 116 to rest on the shelf 118 or a ridge within the fluid conduit116 to support the flap 111—and thus the deformable region 122—againstinward deformation in the retracted setting. Alternatively, the pedestal113 can engage a bottom of the fluid conduit 116. For example, the flap111 can include a foot or leg that extends from the flap 111 into thefluid conduit 116. In the retracted setting, the foot engages the bottomof the fluid conduit 116. In the expanded setting, the foot can besuspended within the fluid conduit 116. Alternatively, the foot canengage a shelf 118, edge, platform, etc. within the fluid conduit 116(e.g., extending from a wall of the fluid conduit 116 or from thebottom) to rigidly support the deformable region 122 in the expandedsetting.

In another implementation, the flap 111 can be arranged such that anedge of the flap 111 is substantially aligned with a perimeter of animage of a key rendered on a display coupled to the tactile layer. Inparticular, the distal end of the flap 111 can define a chamferinterfacing with the shelf 118, an edge of the chamfer forming a sharpin an adjacent portion of the deformable region 122 substantiallyaligned with a portion of the perimeter of the image of the key renderedon the display in the expanded setting. Likewise the proximal end of theflap 111 connecting the flap 111 to the substrate 110 can coincide witha portion of the perimeter of the image of the key rendered on thedisplay. Thus, the flap 111 can substantially correspond to the image ofthe key and function as a tactilely distinguishable button representingand coinciding with a virtual image of a key.

5. Tactile Layer

The tactile includes a peripheral region 124 coupled to the substrateno, a deformable region 122 adjacent the peripheral region 124 andarranged over the flap 111, and a tactile surface 126 opposite thesubstrate no. Generally, the tactile layer 120 functions to elasticallyexpand into a tactilely distinguishable formation offset above theperipheral region 124 at one or more deformable regions as fluid ispumped into the fluid channel 114 and through corresponding fluidconduits by the displacement device 130.

The tactile layer 120 can include an elastic sheet selectively adhered,bonded, fastened, or otherwise coupled to the substrate no at theperipheral region 124, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/414,589. In one implementation, the tactile layer 120 includes asingular layer, such as a single urethane sheet of uniform thickness.Alternatively, the tactile layer 120 can include multiple sublayers,such as a urethane sublayer opposite the substrate 110. However, thetactile layer 120 can be of any other form, material, thickness, orcomposition, such as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/418,676. The tactile layer 120 can be substantially transparent ortranslucent. For example, the tactile layer 120 can be arranged over adisplay. Thus, a transparent tactile layer 120 can transmit light fromthe display across the tactile layer. The tactile layer 120 can also besubstantially opaque.

The tactile layer 120 defines a peripheral region 124 and a deformableregion 122. The peripheral region 124 can be adhered, bonded, fastened,or otherwise coupled to the substrate 110 at an attachment surface 112of the substrate 110. In one implementation, the entirety of theperipheral region 124 of the tactile layer 120 can be bonded across theattachment surface 112. In another implementation, the peripheral region124 can be bonded to the attachment surface 112 at an annular areasurrounding the periphery of the fluid conduit 116, such that a portionof the peripheral region 124 outside the annular area is disconnectedfrom the substrate 110 and the attachment surface 112. Alternatively,the peripheral region 124 of the tactile layer 120 can be bonded at anysuitable point, line, or area of the substrate 110 and in any othersuitable way.

The deformable region 122 of the tactile layer 120 is disconnected fromthe substrate 110 and arranged over the fluid conduit 116. Thedeformable region 122 can expand outwardly away from the fluid conduit116 into the expanded setting in response to displacement of fluid intothe fluid channel 114 and through the fluid conduit 116. Alternatively,the deformable region 122 can expand from a depressed retracted settingoffset below the peripheral region 124 (e.g., extending into the fluidconduit 116) into the (flush) expanded setting, wherein the deformableregion 122 is substantially flush with the peripheral region 124. Thedisplacement device 130 releases fluid pressure within the fluid channel114 and/or actively pumps fluid back out of the fluid channel 114, andfluid behind the deformable region 122 can recede from the fluid conduit116 and the fluid channel 114 and the deformable region 122 can returnto the retracted setting.

The deformable region 122 can be arranged over the fluid conduit 116and, thus, can be arranged over the flap 111. In one implementation, thedeformable region 122 can be disconnected from the flap 111. Thus, whenthe displacement device 130 displaces fluid into the fluid channel 114and through the fluid conduit 116, the fluid pressure increases behindthe deformable region 122, causing the deformable region 122 to expandinto the expanded setting (or into the flush expanded setting).Likewise, when the displacement device 130 displaces fluid away from thedeformable region 122, via the fluid conduits and the fluid channel 114,the fluid pressure behind the deformable region 122 decreases and thedeformable region 122 can return to the retracted setting (or to thedepressed retracted setting).

In a similar implementation, the deformable region 122 can bedisconnected from the flap 111. When fluid is displaced through thefluid channel 114 and through the fluid conduit 116, the flap 111 pivotsoff the shelf 118 to permit fluid to move behind the deformable region122 and, thus, to transition the deformable region 122 into the expandedsetting (or into the flush expanded setting). In this implementation, asshown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flap 111 can also include one or moreports through a broad face of the flap 111, a serrated edge, asemi-circular profile at one or more edges, or any other feature throughwhich fluid can drain from behind the deformable region 122 back intothe fluid conduit 116 in order to transition the deformable region 122into the retracted setting. Thus, the flap 111 can be suspended (e.g.,float) between the substrate 110 and the deformable region 122 in theexpanded setting, as shown in FIG. 6. The flap 111 can retract over thefluid conduit 116 and engage the shelf 118, which supports thedeformable region 122 against inward deformation beyond the retractedsetting. Alternatively, the flap 111 can retract into the fluid conduit116 from the flush expanded setting to the depressed retracted setting,the flap 111 supporting the deformable region 122 against inwarddeformation beyond the depressed retracted setting.

In an alternative implementation, the deformable region 122 can connectto the flap 111, such that the deformable region 122 retains the flap111 in the expanded setting and the depressed retracted setting. Thedeformable region 122 can be coupled to a point, a line, or an area ofthe broad face of the flap 111. Alternatively, the deformable region 122can be coupled to an edge or a side of the flap 111. For example, thedeformable region 122 can be bonded to the flap 111 across the broadface of the flap 111. Thus, as the deformable region 122 transitionsfrom the retracted setting into the expanded setting (or from the flushexpanded setting into the depressed retracted setting), a portion of thetactile layer 120 between the flap 111 and the peripheral region 124stretches to accommodate a change in fluid pressure behind thedeformable region 122, yielding a linearly inclined protrusion with asharp edge along the distal end of the flap 111, as shown in FIGS. 2Band 3B. In another example, the deformable region 122 can be bonded tothe flap 111 along the distal edge of the flap 111 such that, as thedeformable region 122 transitions from the retracted setting to theexpanded setting, fluid flows between the flap 111 and the deformableregion 122, the deformable region 122 expands outward, and the flap 111lifts off the shelf 118 and retains a portion of the deformable region122 bonded along the distal edge of the flap 111 to modify the shape ofthe deformable region 122, as shown in FIG. 5B. In another example, thedeformable region 122 can be bonded to the flap 111 at a point, a line,or an area on the broad face of the flap 111 between the distal andproximal ends of the flap 111. A portion of the deformable region 122adjacent but not bonded to (e.g., disconnected from) the flap 111stretches to accommodate increased fluid pressure behind the flap 111,lifts the flap 111 off the shelf 118, and applies a torque to the distalend of the flap 111, thus deflecting the flap 111 into a curvilinearform, as shown in FIG. 7.

In the foregoing implementation, the peripheral region 124 of thetactile layer 120 can couple to the substrate 110 at any suitabledistance from the flap 111. For example, the peripheral region 124 canbe coupled to the substrate 110 substantially proximal the distal end ofthe flap 111, such that a span of the deformable region 122 between theperipheral region 124 and the flap 111 defines a high angle with thebroad face of the substrate 110, as shown in FIG. 3B. Alternatively, theperipheral region 124 can be coupled to the substrate 110 at somedistance from the distal end of the flap 111, such that a span of thedeformable region 122 between the peripheral region 124 and the flap 111defines a low angle with the broad face of the substrate 110, as shownin FIG. 2B.

However, the tactile layer 120 can be of any other form and coupled tothe substrate 110 and/or flap 111 in any other suitable way.

In one variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the flap 111 definesa flexure, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The flap 111 can define a seriesof beams joined end-to-end and supporting a pad off of the substrate110, the deformable region 122 connected to the pad. In this variation,the pad can retain the form of the connected area of the deformableregion 122 (e.g., in planar form) in the expanded setting and the beamsof the flexure and the pad can support the deformable region 122 againstinward deformation in the retracted setting (e.g., via the shelf 118 ora step within the fluid conduit 116, base of the fluid channel 114, orother structure within the substrate 110). In this variation, the flap111 can also include a pedestal 113 or piston that extends from the flap111 and passes into the fluid conduit 116 to rest on the shelf 118,ridge within the fluid conduit 116, or a surface of the fluid channel114 opposite the connection of the pad to the substrate 110 to supportthe flap 111 (and the deformable region 122) against inward deformationin the retracted setting.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110defines a pair of flaps with adjacent distal ends and opposing proximalends and hinges. Both flaps can cover the same fluid conduit 116 oradjacent fluid conduits and a continuous deformable region 122 can beconnected to both flaps. The substrate 110 can define a shelf 118between and configured to support the distal ends of the both flaps.Alternatively, a first flap 111 in the pair of flaps can include a footor pedestal 113 that extends into the fluid conduit 116 to rest on ashelf 118 or ridge within the fluid conduit 116 or a surface of thefluid channel 114 opposite the proximal end of the first flap 111 tosupport the first flap 111. The second flap 111 can include a feature onthe distal end of the second flap 111 that engages the distal end of thefirst flap 111, such that the first flap 111 supports the second flap111. The second flap 111 can additionally or alternatively include afoot or pedestal 113. When fluid is displaced into the fluid channel114(s) adjacent the pair of flaps, the deformable region 122 can expandoutwardly, causing each flap to articulate outwardly. The broad faces ofthe flaps can retain adjacent portions of the deformable region 122 inplanar form as the deformable region 122 expands, and the portion of thedeformable region 122 spanning the distal ends of the flaps can stretch,yielding a third substantially planar area across the deformable region122, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In a similar variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the distal endsof the pair of flaps can be separated by some distance, and the tactilelayer 120 can include a pedestal 113 extending toward the substrate 110between the pair of flaps, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B and asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/481,676. The pedestal113 can retain a coupled portion of the deformable region 122 in aconstant form between the expanded and retracted settings and when aforce is applied to the tactile layer 120 over the pedestal 113 in theexpanded setting.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110can define a set of four flaps patterned radially and equidistant abouta center with distal ends of the flaps near the center. The substrate110 can define four fluid conduits, each coupled to the fluid channel114 and covered by one flap 111 in the set of flaps. The tactile layer120 can define four deformable regions, each coupled to one flap 111 inthe set of flaps. When the displacement device 130 pumps fluid into thefluid channel 114 and through the fluid conduits, each deformable region122 can transition into an expanded setting and each flap 111 can createa rectilinear edge on a corresponding deformable region 122, as shown inFIG. 11B. Thus, in this variation, the tactile layer 120 and thesubstrate 110 can cooperate to mimic a “d pad” of a gaming controller,as shown in FIG. 11A.

In the foregoing variation, the substrate 110 can include any othernumber of fluid conduits and corresponding flaps of any other geometryand of any other arrangement. The tactile layer 120 can define anynumber of deformable regions over the set of flaps. For example, thesubstrate 110 can define a set of triangular flaps patterned radiallyabout a center with a deformable region 122 as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/414,589. The deformable region 122 can bearranged at the center and additional deformable regions can be arrangedover each flap 111, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C.

In the foregoing variation, the substrate 110 and the tactile layer 120can further cooperate to define flap and deformable region pairs thatare substantially small such that a user may perceive a texture (ortextural) change across the tactile surface 126 when the deformableregions transition between retracted and expanded settings or flushexpanded and depressed retracted settings. In this implementation, thesubstrate 110 can also define flaps of different perimeter geometries,different end and edge treatments, and/or different orientations acrossthe broad face of the substrate 110 to create different textures acrossthe tactile surface 126, such as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110defines a flap 111 within a flap 111. The substrate 110 can define ashelf 118 that extends laterally across the fluid conduit 116. Thesubstrate 110 can also define a first flap 111 and a second flap 111,which includes a second distal end and a second proximal end, the firstflap 111 extending longitudinally across the fluid conduit 116 towardthe shelf 118, the second flap 111 hinged to the substrate 110 at thesecond proximal end and extending longitudinally across the fluidconduit 116 toward the distal end of the first flap 111. The tactilelayer 120 includes a second deformable region 122 adjacent theperipheral region 124 and arranged over the second flap 111; the distalend of the first flap 111 and the second distal end of the second flap111 simultaneously engaging the shelf 118 in the retracted setting, andthe distal end of the flap 111 and the second distal end of the secondflap 111 elevated off the shelf 118 and the second deformable region 122defining a second formation tactilely distinguishable from theperipheral region 124 in the expanded setting. For example, thesubstrate 110 can include a first rectangular flap 111 hinged to thesubstrate 110 and bonded to the tactile layer, such as along the fullperimeter and/or across the full outer surface of the first flap 111. Inthis example, the first flap 111 can include a smaller second flap 111within the perimeter of the first flap 111, wherein the second flap 111is hinged to the first flap 111. The second flap 111 can be bonded to ordisconnected from the tactile layer, and the hinge of the second flap111 can be parallel or nonparallel to the hinge of the first flap 111.The first flap 111 can also define a shelf 118 or shoulder to supportthe distal end of the second flap 111 from inward deformation due to aforce applied to the tactile layer 120 over the second flap 111 in theretracted setting. In this example, when fluid is pumped through thefluid conduit 116 beneath the first flap 111, the first flap 111 canpivot off of a corresponding shelf 118 in the substrate 110 and reach anequilibrium position based on fluid pressure in the fluid conduit 116and tension across the tactile layer 120 between an edge of the firstflap 111 and the attachment surface 112 of the substrate 110. However,in this example, the fluid pressure under the second flap 111 can causethe second flap 111 to hinge further outward. The first flap 111 can,therefore, yield a first edge in the tactile layer 120 and the secondflap 111 can yield a second edge in the tactile layer 120 in theexpanded setting.

In a similar variation, the substrate 110 can include a second flap 111within a first flap 111, wherein the pivots from the depressed retractedsetting to the flush expanded setting and the second flap 111 pivotsfrom the retracted setting flush with the first flap 111 and the expandsetting offset above the first flap 111. For example, the substrate noinclude a first rectangular flap 111 hinged to the substrate no andbonded to the tactile layer, such as along the full perimeter and/oracross the full outer surface of the first flap 111. The first flap 111can include a smaller second flap 111 within the perimeter of the firstflap 111, wherein the second flap 111 is hinged to the first flap 111.The second flap 111 can be bonded to or disconnected from the tactilelayer. The hinge of the second flap 111 can be parallel or nonparallelto the hinge of the first flap 111. The first flap 111 can pivot fromthe depressed retracted setting within the fluid conduit 116 and offsetbelow the peripheral region 124 to a flush expanded setting, wherein thefirst flap 111 lies flush with the peripheral region 124 and engages ashelf 118 that retains the first flap 111 within the fluid conduit 116.The first flap 111 can also define a shoulder or shelf 118 to supportthe distal end of the second from inward deformation beyond flush withfirst flap 111 due to a force applied to the tactile layer 120 over thesecond flap 111 in the retracted setting. When the displacement devicepumps fluid through the fluid channel and thus into the fluid conduit116 beneath the first flap 111, the first flap 111 can pivot toward acorresponding shelf 118 integrated in the substrate no and reach anequilibrium position wherein the first flap 111 engages the shelf 118.The fluid can communicate pressure to the second flap 111, causing thesecond flap 111 to pivot off the shelf 118 of the first flap 111 to theexpanded setting and reach an equilibrium position based on fluidpressure in the fluid conduit 116 and tension across the tactile layer120 between an edge of the first flap 111 and the attachment surface 112of the substrate no. The fluid pressure can cause the second flap 111 tohinge outward to an expanded setting offset above the first flap 111 andthe peripheral region 124, yielding a tactilely distinguishable edge.This implementation can function to form a tactilely distinguishablebutton offset above the peripheral region 124 of the tactile layer 120that can deform to a tactilely distinguishable button offset below theperipheral region 124.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110includes sublayers, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The first (i.e.,outer) sublayer can define the flap 111, and the second (i.e., inner)sublayer can define the fluid channel 114. For example, the flap 111 canbe laser-cut into the first sublayer by tracing a perimeter of the flap111 with a high-power laser beam and the fluid channel 114 can be formedin the second sublayer through conventional machining with an endmill.Features of the first and second sublayers can be formed or created inany other suitable way. The first sublayer and the second sublayer canthen be bonded together to form the substrate 110 with the flap 111 inthe first sublayer disconnected from the second sublayer. The secondsublayer can, thus, define the shelf 118 described above and the flap111 can rest on the shelf 118 in the retracted setting. When fluidpressure builds in the fluid channel 114, the flap 111 can lift off theshelf 118, the perimeter of the first sublayer around the shelf 118,thus, defining the fluid conduit 116. In this and other variations, theflap 111 can also be connected to the substrate 110 (e.g., the firstsublayer of the substrate 110) by multiple hinges, such as byselectively cutting the perimeter of the flap 111 from the substrate110, as shown in FIG. 15C.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, deformableregions in a group of deformable regions can cooperate to form asubstantially smooth area of the tactile surface 126 in the retractedsetting and cooperate to form a textured area of the tactile surface 126in the expanded setting. Generally, the deformable regions can be flushwith the peripheral region 124(s) in the retracted setting, forming acontinuous, flush, and substantially smooth surface on which thedeformable regions and the flaps can be tactilely indistinguishable. Thedisplacement device 130 can expand the deformable regions and, thus, theflaps, forming tactilely distinguishable formations offset above theperipheral region 124. The deformable regions can be offset verticallyabove the peripheral region 124 in order to provide a tactilelydistinguishable but non-obstructive formation to an input objectcontacting the tactile surface 126. The deformable regions can bearranged to form a pattern. For example, the deformable regions can bearranged to form a pattern of “dots” that form a perimeter around anarea of the tactile layer 120 arranged over a virtual image of a key ofa keyboard rendered by the display. Thus, the deformable regions canform the perimeter of the key. The deformable regions can be arranged inany pattern, such as a circle, cross, alphanumeric symbol, etc.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the deformableregion 122 is connected to the flap 111 across an exterior surface ofthe flap 111 and the tactile layer 120 includes a boundary regionbetween the deformable region 122 and the peripheral region 124, theboundary region substantially coincident a perimeter of the flap 111 andextensible in response to displacement of fluid into the fluid conduit116. Generally, the boundary region functions to stretch in response toexpansion of the deformable region 122 and the flap 111 to the expandedsetting. The boundary region can be tensilely and extensibly flexible.Thus, when the flap 111 pivots to the expanded setting, the boundaryregion can stretch. The boundary region can further function to form anedge along the distal end of the flap 111 in the expanded setting bystretching from the distal edge to the peripheral region 124. Theboundary region can be connected to (e.g., adhered or bonded to) thedistal end of the flap 111 and the peripheral region 124, such that whenthe deformable region 122 and the flap 111 expand, the boundary regionstretches taut. Likewise, in the retracted setting, the boundary regionstretches taut. In a similar variation, the boundary region functions tostretch in response to retraction of the deformable region 122 and theflap 111 into the depressed retracted setting from the flush expandedsetting. Thus, the boundary region enables the flap 111 to pivot andforms a tactilely distinguishable feature (e.g., an edge) outlining theprofile of the flap 111.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110includes a second fluid conduit 116, a second shelf 118 adjacent thesecond fluid conduit 116 opposite the fluid conduit 116, and a secondfluid channel 114 fluidly coupled to the second fluid conduit 116. Thesubstrate 110 also includes a second flap 111 defining a second distalend and a second proximal end, the second flap 111 extending across thesecond fluid conduit 116 and hinged to the substrate 110 at the secondproximal end adjacent the proximal end of the flap 111. The tactilelayer 120 includes a second deformable region 122 adjacent theperipheral region 124 and arranged over the second flap 111; and whereinthe displacement device 130 selectively displays fluid into the fluidchannel 114 and the second fluid channel 114 to selectively transitionthe deformable region 122 and the second deformable region 122 from theretracted setting into the expanded setting, the second distal end ofthe second flap 111 engaging the second shelf 118 in the retractedsetting, and the second distal end of the second flap 111 lifted off ofthe second shelf 118 and the second deformable region 122 defining asecond formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region124 in the expanded setting.

In another variation of the dynamic tactile interface, the substrate 110includes a group of fluid conduits; further defining a group of flaps,each flap 111 in the group of flaps arranged over a fluid conduit 116 inthe group of fluid conduits. The tactile layer 120 includes an areadefining a group of deformable regions, each deformable region 122 inthe group of deformable region 122 arranged over a flap 111 in the groupof flaps. The displacement device 130 displaces fluid into fluidchannels in the group of fluid conduits to substantially simultaneouslytransition the deformable regions in the group of deformable regionsfrom the retracted setting into the expanded setting, each deformableregion 122 in the group of deformable regions substantially flush withthe peripheral region 124 in the retracted setting, and each deformableregion 122 in the group of deformable regions defining a formationtactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region 124 in the expandedsetting.

6. Displacement Device

The displacement device 130 displaces fluid into the fluid channel 114and through the fluid conduit 116 to transition the deformable region122 from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the distal end ofthe flap 111 engaging the shelf 118 in the retracted setting, and thedistal end of the flap 111 lifted off of the shelf 118 and thedeformable region 122 defining a formation tactilely distinguishablefrom the peripheral region 124 in the expanded setting. Alternatively,the displacement device 130 can displace fluid into the fluid channel114 and through the fluid conduit 116 to transition the deformableregion 122 from a retracted setting into an expanded setting, the distalend of the flap 111 engaging the shelf 118 in the flush expandedsetting, and the distal end of the flap 111 below the shelf 118 and thedeformable region 122 defining a formation tactilely distinguishablebelow the peripheral region 124 in the depressed retracted setting.Generally, the displacement device 130 functions to pump fluid intoand/or out of the fluid channel 114 to transition the deformable region122 between retracted and expanded settings and flush expanded anddepressed retracted settings, as described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/081,519. The dynamic tactile interface can also includemultiple deformable regions and the displacement device 130 caninterface with one or more valves and/or one or more actuators toselectively transition a subset of deformable region 122 betweenretracted and expanded settings. However, the displacement device 130can be of any other suitable type and function in any other way todisplace fluid into and out of the fluid channel 114 to transition oneor more deformable regions between expanded and retracted settings.

7. Sensor

One variation of the dynamic tactile interface can include a sensorcoupled to the substrate 110 and outputting a signal according to aninput on the tactile surface 126. The sensor of the dynamic tactileinterface can detect an input on the tactile surface 126. Generally, thesensor functions to sense a change in an electric field or electricalproperty across the tactile layer 120 and/or substrate 110 and to outputa signal accordingly, such that a processor within the computing devicecan detect an input into the computing device based on the signal. Thenthe computing device can respond accordingly, such as described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/896,098. The sensor can include acapacitive touch sensor interposed between the substrate 110 and adisplay coupled to the substrate 110, the capacitive touch sensoroutputting a signal corresponding to an input on a tactile surface 126of the tactile layer 120 proximal the deformable region 122. The sensorcan additionally or alternatively output a signal corresponding to achange in fluid pressure within the fluid channel 114 in response to aforce applied to the deformable region 122 of the tactile layer.Alternatively, the sensor can include a strain gauge integrated into thetactile layer 120 or arranged between the tactile layer 120 and thesubstrate 110 and configured to output a signal corresponding todeformation of the tactile layer. However, the sensor can function inany other way to detect an input on the tactile surface 126 at thedeformable region 122 and/or at the peripheral region 124.

8. Display

One variation of the dynamic tactile interface includes a displaycoupled to the substrate 110 opposite the tactile layer 120 andrendering an image of a key adjacent the deformable region 122.Generally, the display can render an image of an input key proximal thedeformable region 122, such as described above and in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/414,589. The dynamic tactile interface can alsoinclude a housing transiently engaging a mobile computing device, thehousing transiently retaining the substrate 110 over a digital displayof the mobile computing device. For example, the dynamic tactileinterface can include an aftermarket housing that surrounds the mobilecomputing device and arranges the dynamic tactile interfacesubstantially over the display of the mobile computing device.

9. Pedestal

One variation of the dynamic tactile interface, shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B,18, and 19, includes a substrate 110 including an attachment surface112, a cavity, and a fluid channel 114 fluidly coupled to the cavity,the cavity defining a curvilinear cross-section; a pedestal 113 arrangedwithin the cavity, pivotable within the cavity, and including a matingsurface and an exterior surface; a tactile layer 120 including aperipheral region 124 coupled to the attachment surface 112, adeformable region 122 adjacent the peripheral region 124 and arrangedover the pedestal 113, and a tactile surface 126 opposite the substrate110; a displacement device 130 displacing fluid into the fluid channel114 and into the cavity to transition the deformable region 122 from aretracted setting into an expanded setting, the mating surface of thepedestal 113 in contact with the cavity and the pedestal 113 pivotablewithin the cavity between a first position and a second position in theretracted setting, the deformable region 122 flush with the peripheralregion 124 in the first position and defining a first formationtactilely distinguishable from the peripheral region 124 in the secondposition, and the pedestal 113 partially elevated out of the cavity andthe deformable region 122 defining a second formation tactilelydistinguishable from the first formation and the peripheral region 124in the expanded setting.

The foregoing variation of the dynamic tactile interface includes thesubstrate 110 including an attachment surface 112, a cavity, and a fluidchannel 114 fluidly coupled to the cavity, the cavity defining acurvilinear cross-section. Generally, the substrate 110 and the pedestal113 cooperate to support the tactile layer 120 against inwarddeformation into the cavity. The cavity forms a curvilinearcross-section recess in the substrate 110. In particular, the pedestal113 and the substrate 110 cooperate to support the deformable againstinward deformation into the cavity in the first position in theretracted setting. The pedestal 113 can also rotate, pivot, etc. withinthe cavity to support the deformable region 122 in a tactilelydistinguishable configuration offset above the peripheral region 124 ofthe tactile layer. For example, the pedestal 113 can provide an edge orsharp offset above the peripheral region 124.

The foregoing variation of the dynamic tactile interface includes apedestal 113 arranged within the cavity, pivotable within the cavity,and including a mating surface and an exterior surface. Generally thepedestal 113 can function to support the tactile layer 120 and thedeformable region 122 against deformation of the deformable region 122into the cavity. The pedestal 113 can pivot, rotate, rise out of, orotherwise move within and relative to the cavity. The pedestal 113 canbe of any shape and size suitable to support the deformable region 122against substantial inward deformation beyond flush with the peripheralregion 124 when in the first position. The pedestal 113 can besubstantially transparent. The substrate 110 can define a ridge, edge,shoulder, shelf, etc. to retain the pedestal 113 within the cavity.

In one implementation, an exterior surface of the pedestal 113 iscoupled to the deformable region 122. The pedestal 113 can be adhered,bonded, fastened, or otherwise coupled to the tactile layer 120 acrossthe mating surface corresponding to the top surface of the pedestal 113,around the perimeter of the pedestal 113, or at select locations on thetop surface of the pedestal 113. Alternatively, the pedestal 113 can bedisconnected from the tactile layer.

In one implementation in which the cavity is substantiallyhemispherical, the pedestal 113 can also be hemispherical, such that thepedestal 113 can rotate, rock, and/or otherwise move within the cavity.The pedestal 113 can, thus, function as a support member in the firstposition in which the mating surface of the pedestal 113 issubstantially flush with the attachment surface 112 of the substrate 110and as a gimble-type rocker when displaced out of the first position, asshown in FIG. 17B. When the pedestal 113 pivots within the cavity, aportion of the pedestal 113 pivots out of the cavity and, thus, elevatedabove the peripheral region 124. Thus, the pedestal 113 can support thetactile layer 120 above the peripheral region 124 in the secondposition. Likewise, when the pedestal 113 pivots within the cavity anopposing portion of the pedestal 113 can pivot into the cavity. If thetactile layer 120 is bonded to the mating surface of the pedestal 113,the pedestal 113 can pull the deformable region 122 of the tactile layer120 into the cavity.

Alternatively, the pedestal 113 can be mated to the cavity that issemicircular, such that the rocker is constrained in all but one degreeof rotational freedom. In this variation, the pedestal 113 can functionas a rocker.

The shape of the pedestal 113 and the corresponding cavity can determinerotational response and motion of the pedestal 113. For example, apedestal 113 with vertical walls can resist lateral motion and can limitpedestal 113 motion in substantially all but the vertical direction. Inanother example, the pedestal 113 can include curved or rounded walls,such as shown in FIG. 17A. The rounded walls of the pedestal 113 can bematched to the cavity and, thus, enable the pedestal 113 to exhibit notonly linear up/down motion but also rotational motion, such as whenpressed off-center, as shown in FIG. 17B. The pedestal 113 can, thus,enable tilt or joystick-type functionality. Moving a finger around theperimeter of the pedestal 113 can also result in circular motion aroundthe axis of the pedestal 113. A change in height and position of thefinger on the pedestal 113, such as relative an underlying touch sensor,can enable a sensor (e.g., a projected capacitance sensor) to detectmotion of the pedestal 113, which can be correlated with a user input.In another example, the pedestal 113 can be cylindrical in shape and,thus, enable a twisting motion and/or vertical motion.

As shown in FIG. 18, the pedestal 113 can also define one or morechannels or grooves at an interface with a wall of cavity.Alternatively, the cavity can define one or more channels or grooves atan interface with a surface of the pedestal 113. As the displacementdevice 130 transitions the deformable region 122 from the expandedsetting to the retracted setting, such as by drawing fluid out of thecavity by creating a vacuum, fluid may be trapped within the cavity,such as between the tactile layer 120 and the substrate 110, between thetactile layer 120 and a top surface of the pedestal 113 and/or betweenthe pedestal 113 and the substrate 110. The channels and/or grooves inthe pedestal 113 (and/or cavity) can enable fluid to drain from thecavity, thereby retracting the deformable region 122. The channelsand/or grooves can be etched, molded, machined, stamped, or otherwisecreated on a surface of the pedestal 113 and/or cavity. Generally, thesechannels can fluidly couple an outer surface of the pedestal 113 to thefluid channel 114 coupled to the cavity in order to enable fluid todrain out of the cavity via the fluid channel 114.

As shown in FIG. 19, the pedestal 113 can further include one or morethrough-bores 115 and can be attached to a back surface of the tactilelayer 120 (a surface of the tactile layer 120 that bonds to thesubstrate no) to define a secondary deformable region within thedeformable region 122 of the tactile layer. The through-bore(s) 115 cancommunicate fluid through the pedestal 113 to the secondary deformableregion, such that the user dynamic tactile interface can dynamicallyexpand and retract the secondary deformable region to create a smallertactilely distinguishable feature on top of the deformable region 122 inthe expanded setting.

In one implementation of the variation, the pedestal 113 includes one ormore through-holes. An area of the tactile layer 120 is disconnectedfrom the pedestal 113 proximal the through-hole(s) at the outer surfaceof the pedestal 113. A portion of the tactile layer 120 encircling thearea of the tactile layer disconnected from the pedestal 113 and thethrough-hole(s) is coupled (e.g., adhered, bonded) to the pedestal 113and defines the perimeter of a tactilely distinguishable dimple or bumpthat provides tactile guidance to distinguish virtual keys of a virtualkeyboard rendered on the display in the expanded setting. When thedisplacement device 13 o displaces fluid into the cavity, therebyincreasing fluid pressure within the cavity, the deformable region 122expands, the pedestal 113 lifts away from the boundary of the cavity,and rises. The secondary deformable region, thus, expands above thedeformable region 122, such as shown in FIG. 18. In this implementation,when fluid is withdrawn, from the fluid channel, the deformable region122 retracts, the pedestal 113 recedes back into the cavity, and thesecondary deformable region retracts to its initial position that isflush with the deformable region 122.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, the pedestal 113retains a first portion of the deformable region 122 and a secondportion of the deformable region 122 substantially flush with theperipheral region 124 in the first position and the pedestal 113 retainsthe first portion of the deformable region 122 within the cavity andretains the second portion of the deformable region 122 above theperipheral region 124 in the second position. In this implementation,the pedestal 113 can be bonded to the tactile at the deformable region122. Generally, this implementation of the foregoing variation functionsto deform the deformable region 122 according to the profile of thepedestal 113 as it rotates within the cavity. Thus, the deformableregion 122 can be coupled to the top surface of the pedestal 113 and thedeformable region 122 can follow the position of the pedestal 113.

In a similar implementation of the foregoing variation, the pedestal 113forms a crease across the second portion of the deformable region 122 inthe second position. Generally, this implementation functions to createa tactilely distinguishable feature corresponding to an edge of thepedestal 113 corresponding to the second portion of the deformableregion 122. Thus, the crease can define a tactilely distinguishableedge.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, the exteriorsurface of the pedestal 113 is planar, and the exterior surface of thepedestal 113 retains the deformable region 122 in planar form verticallyoffset above the peripheral region 124 in the expanded setting.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, the pedestal 113defines a fluid conduit 116 extending from the mating surface to theexterior surface and communicating fluid between the cavity and thedeformable region 122. A portion of the exterior surface of the pedestal113 can be disconnected from the deformable region 122 around and offsetfrom the fluid conduit 116.

In one implementation of the pedestal 113, the mating surface includes acorrugated profile defining a series of troughs, a trough in the seriesof troughs cooperating with the cavity to communicate fluid between thefluid channel 114 and the deformable region 122. Generally, thisimplementation of the pedestal 113 functions to communicate fluid fromthe fluid channel 114 about the periphery of the pedestal 113 in orderto expand and retract the deformable region 122. The troughs allow fluidto drain from a deformable region 122 disconnected from the top surfaceof the pedestal 113 as the deformable region 122 retracts from theexpanded setting vertically offset above the peripheral region 124 andabove the top surface of the pedestal 113. In this implementation, thetroughs can also communicate fluid from the fluid channel 114 to rotatethe pedestal 113 within the cavity. Fluid pressure from fluidcommunicated through the trough to the deformable region 122 can causethe deformable region 122 connected to the top surface of the pedestal113 to lift. The pedestal 113 can, accordingly, lift out of the cavity.The troughs can be arranged around the pedestal 113 such that a portionof the pedestal 113 communicates more or less fluid to the deformableregion 122. For example, a hemispherical pedestal 113 can have a firstportion of the pedestal 113 with several large troughs and a secondportion of the pedestal 113 with one small trough. More fluidcommunicates through the trough toward the deformable region 122corresponding to the first portion than toward the deformable region 122corresponding to the second portion. Thus, greater fluid pressure isapplied to the deformable region 122 corresponding to the first portioncausing the first portion of the deformable region 122 to lift above theperipheral region 124. The pedestal 113 can, thus, rotate to support thedeformable region 122, such that an edge of the pedestal 113corresponding to the first portion rotates to a position offset abovethe peripheral region 124 and an edge of the pedestal 113 correspondingto the second portion rotates into the cavity.

In another implementation, the pedestal 113 defines a groove along themating surface and the substrate 110 defines a rib along the cavity, therib engaging the groove and constraining the pedestal 113 in one degreeof freedom in the retracted setting. In this implementation, thepedestal 113 can define a hemicircular or hemispherical pedestal 113with a groove that mates to a rib in the substrate 110. Thehemispherical pedestal 113, for example, can define the groove, suchthat groove prevents the hemispherical pedestal 113 from rotating withinthe cavity about a vertical axis of the cavity. Thus, the groove canrestrict rotation of the hemispherical pedestal 113 to pitching and/oryawing. The rib can define an extruded ledge, shelf, shoulder, or anyother formation suitable to mate with the groove in the pedestal 113.Likewise, the pedestal 113 can define the rib and the substrate 110 candefine the groove, the groove mating with the rib to restrict rotationof the pedestal 113 in substantially the same way.

In an example of the foregoing implementation, the groove defines aninternal dentated profile and the rib defines an external dentatedprofile that engages the groove to retain the pedestal 113 in a seriesof arcuate positions within the cavity, the series of arcuate positionscomprising the first position and the second position. Generally, thisimplementation functions to define predetermined positions of thepedestal 113 and, thus, predetermined offsets of an edge of the pedestal113 defining a height of the deformable region 122 above the peripheralregion 124. The groove can fix the pedestal 113 in a location, such thatwhen a user depresses the deformable region 122 and, thus, the pedestal113, the pedestal 113 resists the depressions and maintains the form ofthe deformable region 122. Likewise, the groove can function to maintainthe deformable region 122 and the pedestal 113 retracted setting toprevent optical and tactile aberrations in the tactile layer.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, the cavity definesa hemispherical recess, the pedestal 113 defines a hemispherical bosspivotable in three degrees of freedom within the cavity in the retractedsetting, and the exterior surface of the pedestal 113 defines a circularperimeter offset from an edge of the cavity. Likewise, the cavity candefine a hemicircular recess, and the pedestal 113 can define ahemicircular boss pivotable in one degree of freedom within the cavityin the retracted setting.

The foregoing variation of the dynamic tactile interface can include adisplacement device 130 displacing fluid into the fluid channel 114 andinto the cavity to transition the deformable region 122 from a retractedsetting into an expanded setting, the mating surface of the pedestal 113in contact with the cavity and the pedestal 113 pivotable within thecavity between a first position and a second position in the retractedsetting, the deformable region 122 flush with the peripheral region 124in the first position and defining a first formation tactilelydistinguishable from the peripheral region 124 in the second position,and the pedestal 113 partially elevated out of the cavity and thedeformable region 122 defining a second formation tactilelydistinguishable from the first formation and the peripheral region 124in the expanded setting.

The foregoing variation of the dynamic tactile interface can include asensor coupled to the substrate 110 and outputting a signalcorresponding to an input on the tactile surface 126. Anotherimplementation of the foregoing variation can include a second sensoroutputting a signal corresponding to a degree of arcuate rotation of thepedestal 113 from the first position in the retracted setting. Thesecond sensor can detect the rotation of the pedestal 113 to determinethe position (e.g., offset) of the deformable relative the peripheralregion 124. The signal can relay information to determine fluid pressureadjacent the pedestal 113, the deformable region 122, in the fluidchannel 114, etc. The sensor can also be integrated within the pedestalor integrated in the substrate adjacent the mating surface of thepedestal and, thus, can detect motion or position of the pedestal. Thesensor can include a Hall effect sensor or a magnetic sensor, gyroscope,resistive sensor, or any other sensor suitable to detect motion and/orposition of the pedestal.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, a display can becoupled to the substrate 110 opposite the tactile layer 120 and renderan image of a key adjacent the deformable region 122, and the substrate110, the pedestal 113, and the tactile layer 120 comprises substantiallytransparent materials.

In another implementation of the foregoing variation, a display can becoupled to the substrate 110 opposite the tactile layer 120 and renderan image of a key adjacent the deformable region 122, and a sensor canbe interposed between the substrate 110 and the display, the sensor andoutputting a signal corresponding to an input on the tactile surface126, the substrate 110, the pedestal 113, and the tactile layer 120comprises substantially transparent materials.

Another implementation of the foregoing variation includes a firstmagnetic element arranged within the substrate 110 adjacent a base ofthe cavity and a second magnetic element arranged within the pedestal113 and cooperating with the first magnet to retain the pedestal 113 inthe first position in the retracted setting. Generally, the magneticelement can function to retain the pedestal 113 in the first position orany other position in order to substantially resist pitching or yawingof the pedestal 113 and, thus, deformation of the deformable region 122.When the force applied to the pedestal 113 exceeds an attractive forcebetween the first and second magnetic elements, the pedestal 113 canpitch within the cavity and deform the adjacent deformable region 122 asdescribed above. The first magnetic element can be integrated into orcoupled to the substrate 110. The second magnetic element can beintegrated into, adhered to, or otherwise coupled to the pedestal 113.

Another implementation of the third method includes a housingtransiently engaging a mobile computing device, the housing transientlyretaining the substrate 110 over a digital display of the mobilecomputing device.

In another implementation, the substrate defines a shoulder thatsubstantially retains the pedestal and prevents the pedestal from risingout of the cavity above flush with the peripheral region. The substratealso can define a second cavity below the cavity, the second cavitydefining a substantially hemicircular cross-section. Thus, when thepedestal pivots within the cavity, a portion of the pedestal can rotateinto the second cavity.

In another implementation, the substrate can define a vertical shoulderor thin vertical edge, which, in the retracted state, retains thepedestal within the cavity and resists rotation of the pedestal aboveflush with the peripheral region by engaging the mating surface or anyother surface of the pedestal. However, the displacement device can pumpfluid into the cavity, causing the attachment surface of the pedestal torise to an elevated position above the vertical shoulder. In theelevated position, the pedestal can pivot freely within the cavity.

The systems and methods of the invention can be embodied and/orimplemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive acomputer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Theinstructions can be executed by computer-executable componentsintegrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website,communication service, communication interface,hardware/firmware/software elements of a user computer or mobile device,or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of theembodiments can be embodied and/or implemented at least in part as amachine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storingcomputer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed bycomputer-executable components integrated by computer-executablecomponents integrated with apparatuses and networks of the typedescribed above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on anysuitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory,EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or anysuitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor,though any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively oradditionally) execute the instructions.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A dynamic tactile interface comprising: a substratecomprising an attachment surface, a cavity, and a fluid channel fluidlycoupled to the cavity, the cavity defining a curvilinear cross-section;a pedestal arranged within the cavity, pivotable within the cavity, andcomprising a mating surface and an exterior surface; a tactile layercomprising a peripheral region coupled to the attachment surface, adeformable region adjacent the peripheral region and arranged over thepedestal, and a tactile surface opposite the substrate; a displacementdevice displacing fluid into the fluid channel and into the cavity totransition the deformable region from a retracted setting into anexpanded setting, the mating surface of the pedestal in contact with thecavity and the pedestal pivotable within the cavity between a firstposition and a second position in the retracted setting, the deformableregion flush with the peripheral region in the first position anddefining a first formation tactilely distinguishable from the peripheralregion in the second position, and the pedestal partially elevated outof the cavity and the deformable region defining a second formationtactilely distinguishable from the first formation and the peripheralregion in the expanded setting; and a sensor coupled to the substrateand outputting a signal corresponding to an input on the tactilesurface.